Perceptions of risk and preference for abortion service providers by female high school students in Ibadan, Nigeria

Olutomiwa Binuyo, Ademola J. Ajuwon

Abstract

In low- and middle-income countries, over half of the unintended pregnancies of teenage females result in abortions. A sizable portion of these abortions is unsafe. This study explores abortion-seeking pathways and perceptions of abortion provider preference among female adolescents in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. Twenty-eight students from four high schools participated in three focus group discussions (FGDs) and qualitative vignettes. Results showed that most supported using abortion pills from drug vendors and traditional healers rather than going to standard health facilities. This is due to the perception that adolescent pregnancies and abortions are generally frowned upon in society because they are considered social transgressions. Hence, the de-stigmatization of abortion-seeking adolescents in health facilities within Ibadan metropolis is required for higher adolescent uptake in obtaining safe abortion procedures. (Afr J Reprod Health 2024; 28 [3s]: 121-128).

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